1080i
A combination of frame resolution and scan type, used in high-definition television (HDTV) and high-definition video. [Read the fulll article…]
1080p
A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. [Read the fulll article…]
180-degree rule
An imaginary line drawn across two subjects, setting a boundary for the camera angles. The action axis is used to anchor the continuity of action on screen. [Read the fulll article…]
480i
A vertical resolution of 480 lines, and the i identifies it as an interlaced resolution. [Read the fulll article…]
480p
A vertical resolution of 480 pixels, usually with a horizontal resolution of 640 pixels and 4:3 aspect ratio or a horizontal resolution of 854 or less. [Read the fulll article…]
4K UHD
Ultra-high-definition television (also known as Ultra HD television, Ultra HD, UHDTV, UHD and Super Hi-Vision) today includes 4K UHD and 8K UHD, which are two digital video formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. [Read the fulll article…]
576i
A standard-definition video mode originally used for terrestrial television in most countries of the world where the utility frequency for electric power distribution is 50 Hz. [Read the fulll article…]
576p
A vertical resolution of 576 pixels, usually with a horizontal resolution of 720 or 704 pixels. [Read the fulll article…]
720p
A progressive HDTV signal format with 720 horizontal lines and an aspect ratio (AR) of 16:9, normally known as widescreen HDTV (1.78:1). [Read the fulll article…]
8 mm
A compact videocassette record/playback* tape format which uses eight-millimeter wide magnetic tape. A worldwide standard established in 1983 allowing high-quality video and audio recording. [Read the fulll article…]
8K UHD
Ultra-high-definition television (also known as Ultra HD television, Ultra HD, UHDTV, UHD and Super Hi-Vision) today includes 4K UHD and 8K UHD, which are two digital video formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. [Read the fulll article…]
A/A Roll Editing
Editing from a single source using effects to transition from the source to itself (source "A" to "A") using a picture freeze at the end of one scene to transition the start of the next scene. [Read the fulll article…]
A/B Roll Editing
Editing from two source VCRs ("A" and "B") to a third (recording) VCR. Typically a switcher or mixer, such as the Digital Video Mixer, is used to provide transition effects between sources. [Read the fulll article…]
A/X/A Roll Editing
Editing from a single source using effects to transition from the source to itself (source "A" to "A") using a picture freeze at the end of one scene to transition the start of the next scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Academy Leader
A countdown from 8 to 3 that allows the cinema projectionist to know when to turn on the lamp in order to catch the start of the movie. [Read the fulll article…]
Action axis
An imaginary line drawn across two subjects, setting a boundary for the camera angles. The action axis is used to anchor the continuity of action on screen. [Read the fulll article…]
Action Cutting
The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. [Read the fulll article…]
Action safe area
Boundaries within which contents of a television picture are sure to be seen, regardless of masking differences in receiver displays. [Read the fulll article…]
Ad libitum (ad-lib)
Individual moments during the live presentation when a presenter speaks through their character using words not found in the play's text. [Read the fulll article…]
Administration metadata
Provides information to help manage a resource, such as when and how it was created, file type and other technical information, and who can access it. [Read the fulll article…]
Aerial Shot
A shot taken from an airborne device, generally while moving. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing availability of drones. [Read the fulll article…]
After Effects (ae)
After Effects is to video editing what Photoshop is to image manipulation: an all-encompassing application with a professional toolset designed for anything from titling to character animation, compositing and more. [Read the fulll article…]
Aliasing
A side effect of digital signal processing that causes distortion or unwanted artifacts in the reconstruction process. Aliasing can affect both the video and the audio signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Analog
Opposite of digital. The term refers to the recording (storage and measurement) of an infinitely variable signal gathered from a physical source. In electronics, analog signals are generally acquired through the Composite, S-Video, or Component Video connectors. [Read the fulll article…]
Analog Monitor
A video monitor which accepts analog* signals. The signals transmitted to an analog monitor are usually between 0 and 1 V and use 75 ohm coaxial cables. [Read the fulll article…]
Analog Recording
A means of recording audio or video whereby the recorded signal is a physical representation of the waveform of the original signal. [Read the fulll article…]
Anamorphic
The cinematography technique of shooting a widescreen picture on standard 35mm film or other visual recording media with a non-widescreen native aspect ratio. [Read the fulll article…]
Aperture
A small, variable-size hole in the camera that allows light to reach the sensor. Apertures are expressed with the symbols f/ followed by the ratio between the focal length and the diameter of the hole. Common aperture settings are f/11, f/5.6 and f/4. [Read the fulll article…]
Artifact
Any undesired or unintended alteration in data introduced during the processing of the digital video signal. Most digital artifacts are the result of problems with compression, aliasing and/or error diffusion. [Read the fulll article…]
ASA
The exposure index or speed rating of a film which denotes the film's sensitivity. [Read the fulll article…]
Aspect Ratio
The proportional relationship between the image's width and its height. The most common video aspect ratios are 4:3 (1.3:1) and 16:9 (1.7:1). [Read the fulll article…]
Assistant editor
An editor that handles the technical and logistical aspects of editing such as synchronizing sound to picture, cutting in temporary sound effects and music, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Asymmetry
The absence of or violation of symmetry that are either expected or desired can have important consequences for a system. [Read the fulll article…]
Atmosphere
Extras who are staged and photographed to portray normal human traffic needed to add detail in various script situations. [Read the fulll article…]
Audible Spectrum
When wave motion in the atmosphere has a frequency that lies between 20 and 15,000 Hz it produces a sound which is apparent to the average human. [Read the fulll article…]
Audio mixing
The result of combining combining audio signals from different sources, such as microphones, instruments, recordings, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Audio sequencer
The hardware or software based brain of a MIDI studio. It receives, stores and plays back MIDI information in a desired sequence. [Read the fulll article…]
Audio Spectrum
When wave motion in the atmosphere has a frequency that lies between 20 and 15,000 Hz it produces a sound which is apparent to the average human. [Read the fulll article…]
Autoexposure
Camera mode that automatically calculates and adjusts exposure settings to match (as closely as possible) the subject's mid-tone to the mid-tone of the photograph. [Read the fulll article…]
Automatic exposure (ae)
Camera mode that automatically calculates and adjusts exposure settings to match (as closely as possible) the subject's mid-tone to the mid-tone of the photograph. [Read the fulll article…]
Automatic Gain Control (agc)
A circuit that automatically adjusts the gain of an amplifier based on the relative strength of the input signal. Used to maintain an even output when the audio signal is too low or the scene is poorly lighted. [Read the fulll article…]
Automatic Slating
A camera attachment which records the film shot and take numbers and a visible sync mark which corresponds to a tone fed to an audio recorder. [Read the fulll article…]
AV-sync
The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech. [Read the fulll article…]
Backing Track
Prerecorded accompaniment for a singer or voiceover actor who then listens through headphones to a replay as he/she performs. [Read the fulll article…]
Backlight
A light which is generally mounted behind a subject to light the subject's hair and shoulders without illuminating a subject's front. [Read the fulll article…]
Bandwidth
The maximum amount of bits/second that can travel along a network or channel. Most videos players will allow for automatic scaling a video stream to match the available bandwidth. [Read the fulll article…]
Beat
A periodic variation of amplitude resulting from the addition of two slightly different frequencies. [Read the fulll article…]
Bed
Background music used underneath a narrator or foreground dialog. Primarily applied to commercial radio or television spots. [Read the fulll article…]
Beep
Short duration sound track tone aligned to a point on the film for precise reference in synchronization in the editing and printing processes. [Read the fulll article…]
Best boy
Assistants to their department heads, the gaffer (in charge of electricals) and the key grip (lighting and rigging), respectively. [Read the fulll article…]
Best light
A telecine transfer performed in one pass with one color correction setting applied to the whole reel, as opposed to precise scene-by-scene correction. [Read the fulll article…]
Bin
Originally a storage bin for editorial film reels but now commonly used to refer to hierarchical folders for storing clips in an editor.. [Read the fulll article…]
Bit rate
The rate of binary digits flowing in a digital data-processing system. Bit rates are expressed as the number of bits per second (bps or Kbps) traveling through a digital stream. [Read the fulll article…]
Black level
Video black level is defined as the level of brightness at the darkest (black) part of a visual image or the level of brightness at which no light is emitted from a screen, resulting in a pure black screen. [Read the fulll article…]
Blanking level
The voltage level produced at the end of each horizontal picture line which separates the portion of the video signal containing the picture information from the portion containing the synchronizing information. [Read the fulll article…]
Bleeding
Video image imperfection characterized by a blurring of color borders; colors spill over defined boundaries, "run" into neighboring areas. [Read the fulll article…]
Blu-ray Disc (bd)
A digital optical disc data storage format. It was designed to supersede the DVD format, and is capable of storing several hours of video in high-definition (HDTV 720p and 1080p) and ultra high-definition resolution (2160p). [Read the fulll article…]
Blue screen
Chroma key compositing, or chroma keying, is a visual effects/post-production technique for compositing (layering) two images or video streams together based on color hues (chroma range). [Read the fulll article…]
Board
A device to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. [Read the fulll article…]
Booming
Camera move above or below subject with aid of a balanced "boom arm," creating a sense of floating into or out of a scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Border
The boundary between two merged video pictures, as created with chroma key or wipe effects. [Read the fulll article…]
Breakdown
A pre-production process where each scene is isolated into its component elements such as props, costumes, and actors. [Read the fulll article…]
Broadband
A wide bandwidth channel which transports multiple signals and traffic types. Broadband can refer to media such coaxial cable, optical fiber, radio or twisted pair. [Read the fulll article…]
BT.709
A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. [Read the fulll article…]
Burst error
Consecutive Block Errors. Burst Errors are usually the result of fingerprints, contamination, scratches, or voids, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Buy Out
Music or music libraries in which a one-time fee enables the buyer to legally use the music in many productions without paying additional licensing or "needle drop" fees. [Read the fulll article…]
Byte
A byte is a unit of digital information that most commonly consists of eight bits. Historically, the byte was the number of bits used to encode a single character of text in a computer and for this reason, it is the smallest addressable unit of memory in many computer architectures. The size of the byte […] [Read the fulll article…]
C mount
A standard mount interface for lenses used in small cameras. Internal diameter: 1"; thread pitch 1/32"; flange-to-image plane distance: 0.69". [Read the fulll article…]
C-stand
A stand primarily used to position light modifiers, such as silks, nets, or flags, in front of light sources. [Read the fulll article…]
Cable television (catv)
A system of delivering television programming to consumers via radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through coaxial cables, or in more recent systems, light pulses through fiber-optic cables. [Read the fulll article…]
Call Sheet
A form which refers to all of the scenes to be filmed and all of the personnel and equipment required for shooting on a particular day. [Read the fulll article…]
Camcorder
Combination of camera and video tape recorder in one device. Camcorders permit easy and rapid photography and recording simultaneously. [Read the fulll article…]
Camlock
A feeder cable connector which is similar to a Tweco, but with a more positive locking mechanism which is easier to disconnect. [Read the fulll article…]
Cannon
One of several varieties of sound connectors having three or more conductors plus an outer shell which shields the connectors and locks the connectors into place. [Read the fulll article…]
Canted angle
A device or process whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. [Read the fulll article…]
Canted Frame
A device or process whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. [Read the fulll article…]
CCIR System A
CCIR System A was the 405 line analog broadcast television system broadcast in the UK and Ireland. CCIR service was discontinued in 1985. Specifications A frame is the total picture. The frame rate is the number of pictures displayed in one second. But each frame is actually scanned twice interleaving odd and even lines. Each […] [Read the fulll article…]
CCIR System B
CCIR System B was the 625-line analog broadcast television system which at its peak was the system used in most countries. [Read the fulll article…]
CCIR System G
An analog broadcast television system used for the European UHF system, which is also used in the majority of Asian and African countries. [Read the fulll article…]
CCIR System J
The analog television system and video display standard for the region of Japan that ceased operations in 44 of the country's 47 prefectures on July 24, 2011 [Read the fulll article…]
CCIR System M
The analog broadcast television system used in the United States since July 1, 1941, and also in most of the Americas and Caribbean, South Korea, and Taiwan. [Read the fulll article…]
Cel
A single frame of an animation, normally drawn on transparent celluloid so that it can be composited into an image. [Read the fulll article…]
Charge-coupled device (ccd)
A semiconductor chip with a light-sensitive grid used for converting images to electrical signals. CCD is the core technology behind digital photography and video. [Read the fulll article…]
Chroma key
Chroma key compositing, or chroma keying, is a visual effects/post-production technique for compositing (layering) two images or video streams together based on color hues (chroma range). [Read the fulll article…]
Chrominance subcarrier
The 3.58 MHz/NTSC (4.43 MHz/PAL) signal added to a black and white television signal to add color information. The subcarrier frequency is too high to be detected by black and white televisions ensuring compatibility. [Read the fulll article…]
Chyron
Text on the bottom of the screen that is used to describe the time, place or characters in the scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Clacker
A device to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. [Read the fulll article…]
Clapboard
A device to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. [Read the fulll article…]
Clapper
A device to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. [Read the fulll article…]
Clapperboard
A device to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. [Read the fulll article…]
Clipping
The distortion of an audio or video signal, resulting in the high amplitude peaks being cut off. Clipping is often caused by the overloading of amplifier circuits. [Read the fulll article…]
Coaxial cable (coax)
A specialized wire (cable) consisting of an inner conductor surrounded by multiple layers of insulating material. Used to carry high frequency electrical signals with low losses, such as telegraph, telephone, television, and Internet signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Codec
Refers to a combination of coder and decoder software or hardware. A codec encodes and/or decodes a digital data stream or signal. [Read the fulll article…]
Color burst
An analog video, composite video signal generated by a video-signal generator used to keep the chrominance subcarrier synchronized in a color television signal. [Read the fulll article…]
Color decoder
A device which divides a video signal into its basic color components. In TV and video, color decoding is used to derive signals required by a video monitor from the composite or Y/C signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Color Depth
The number of bits used that a given device or system can use to represent the color of a pixel. Common color depths include 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit. [Read the fulll article…]
Color grading
The process of improving the appearance of an image for presentation in different environments on different devices. [Read the fulll article…]
Color Phase
The phase of the chroma signal as compared to the color burst, is one of the factors that determines a video signal's color balance. [Read the fulll article…]
Color Subcarrier
The 3.58 MHz/NTSC (4.43 MHz/PAL) signal added to a black and white television signal to add color information. The subcarrier frequency is too high to be detected by black and white televisions ensuring compatibility. [Read the fulll article…]
Color Timing
The process of improving the appearance of an image for presentation in different environments on different devices. [Read the fulll article…]
Colorburst
In a color television signal, a generated analog video signal used to keep the chrominance sub-carrier synchronized. [Read the fulll article…]
Comet Tailing
A smear of light resulting from the inability of camera's pickup to process bright objects -- especially in darker settings. Object or camera in motion creates the appearance of a flying fireball. [Read the fulll article…]
Compact Disc (cd)
Digitally encoded disc capable of containing more than one hour of audio at a sampling frequency of 44.1 khz. The data is read by a laser beam. [Read the fulll article…]
Component video
A video signal that has been split into two or more component channels. In popular use, it refers to a type of component analog video (CAV) information that is transmitted or stored as three separate signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Composite monitor
A video monitor which accepts analog* signals. The signals transmitted to an analog monitor are usually between 0 and 1 V and use 75 ohm coaxial cables. [Read the fulll article…]
Compositing
The combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Composition
Visual make-up of a video picture, including such variables as balance, framing, field of view and texture all aesthetic considerations. Combined qualities form an image that’s pleasing to view. [Read the fulll article…]
Continuity editing
The logical succession of recorded or edited events, necessitating consistent placement of props, positioning of characters, and progression of time. [Read the fulll article…]
Contrast
The difference in luminance intensity, or color, that allows objects in an image distinguishable. [Read the fulll article…]
Control track
The magnetized portion along the length of a videotape on which sync* control information is placed. The control track contains a pulse for each video field and is used to synchronize the tape and the video signal. [Read the fulll article…]
Control-L
Sony's wired edit control protocol which allows two-way communication between a camcorder or VCR and an edit controller such as the Thumbs Up. [Read the fulll article…]
Crop factor
The crop factor, format factor or focal length multiplier of an image sensor format is the ratio of the dimensions of a camera's imaging area compared to a reference format; most often, this term is applied to digital cameras, relative to 35 mm film format as a reference. [Read the fulll article…]
Cutaway
A single shot inserted into a sequence of shots that momentarily interrupts the flow of action, usually introducing a pertinent detail. [Read the fulll article…]
Cuts-Only Editing
Editing limited to immediate shifts from one scene to another, without smoother image transition capabilities such as dissolving or wiping. [Read the fulll article…]
Cutting on action
The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. [Read the fulll article…]
Cyclorama
Permanent background built in a studio which is nearly always coved or curved at the floor line to create a shadowless, unending backdrop. [Read the fulll article…]
D-1
An SMPTE digital recording video standard, introduced in 1986 through efforts by SMPTE engineering committees. [Read the fulll article…]
D-2
A professional digital videocassette format created by Ampex and introduced on 1988 at the NAB Show as a composite video alternative to the component video D-1 format. [Read the fulll article…]
D-3
An uncompressed composite digital video videocassette format invented at NHK and introduced commercially by Panasonic in 1991 to compete with Ampex's D-2. [Read the fulll article…]
Data-rate Units
A way to express the average number of bits (bitrate) passed between two points in a fixed timeframe. Most common units are bit/s, kbps, Mpbs and Gbps. [Read the fulll article…]
DCI 4K
Ultra-high-definition television (also known as Ultra HD television, Ultra HD, UHDTV, UHD and Super Hi-Vision) today includes 4K UHD and 8K UHD, which are two digital video formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. [Read the fulll article…]
Dead band
A place in which a sound waves are canceled by reflections arriving out of phase with the wanted signal thus creating an area of silence or poor audibility. [Read the fulll article…]
Dead spot
A place in which a sound waves are canceled by reflections arriving out of phase with the wanted signal thus creating an area of silence or poor audibility. [Read the fulll article…]
Dead zone
A place in which a sound waves are canceled by reflections arriving out of phase with the wanted signal thus creating an area of silence or poor audibility. [Read the fulll article…]
Decoder
A circuit or chip in cameras and other input devices that converts video signals from analog to digital. [Read the fulll article…]
Deep Focus
A style of cinematography and staging that uses relatively wide angle lenses and small lens apertures by maintaining objects in the extreme background and foreground simultaneously focused. [Read the fulll article…]
Degausser
A device used to erase recordings on magnetic tapes and films or to demagnetize magnetic recording heads. [Read the fulll article…]
Deinterlacing
The process of converting interlaced video, such as common analog television signals or 1080i format HDTV signals, into a non-interlaced form.
[Read the fulll article…]
Delay Correction
A device used to rectify any problems with a video signal's sync pulses by generating a new clean time base and synchronizing any other incoming video to this reference. [Read the fulll article…]
Delay correction
When an electronic signal travels through electronic circuitry or even through long coaxial cable runs, delay problems may occur. This is manifested as a displaced image and special electronic circuitry is needed to correct it. [Read the fulll article…]
Desktop video (dtv)
The fusion of personal computers and home video components for elaborate videomaking capabilities rivaling those of well-financed broadcast facilities. [Read the fulll article…]
Diffuser
Gauzy or translucent material that alters the quality of light passing through it to produce less intense, flatter lighting with weaker, less noticeable shadows. [Read the fulll article…]
Digital Recording
A method of recording in which samples of the original analog signal are encoded on tape or disk as binary information for storage or processing. [Read the fulll article…]
Digital Signal
The result of the conversion of the original (analog) video signal into a pattern of bits. A digital signal has a discrete value at each sampling point, and its precision is a factor of how many samples get converted per unit of time. [Read the fulll article…]
Digital television
Can refer to the digital video and audio signals that are broadcasted, or the digital television sets that decode the incoming signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Digital video effect (dve)
Electronic analog-to-digital picture modification yielding specialty image patterns and maneuvers: tumbling, strobing, page-turning, mosaic, posterization, solarization, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Digital Visual Interface (dvi)
A video display interface developed by the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). The digital interface is used to connect a video source, such as a video display controller, to a display device, such as a computer monitor. [Read the fulll article…]
Digitization
The process of converting a continuous analog video or audio signal to digital data (ones and zeros) for computer storage. [Read the fulll article…]
DIN connector
An international connector standard. DIN connectors carry both audio and video signals and are common on equipment in Europe. [Read the fulll article…]
Distribution amplifier (da)
A device that amplifies and distributes an original signal to multiple, isolated locations (outputs) without distortion: a WI-fi router, a television station antenna, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Dolby SR
A noise reduction format was developed by Dolby Laboratories and has been in common use in professional audio since 1986 and in cinema audio since the late 1980s. [Read the fulll article…]
Drop-In
The process of inserting recorded audio by playing up to a chosen point and switching from playback to record mode. [Read the fulll article…]
Dropout
A momentary partial or complete loss of picture and/or sound caused by such things as dust, dirt on the videotape or heads, crumpled videotape or flaws in the oxide layer of magnetic tape. [Read the fulll article…]
Dubbing
A process used in filmmaking and video production in which additional or supplementary recordings are "mixed" with original production sound to create the finished soundtrack. [Read the fulll article…]
Dutch angle
A device or process whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. [Read the fulll article…]
Dutch tilt
A device or process whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. [Read the fulll article…]
DVD
A digital optical videodisc format that can store much more video, audio, and computer data than the common CD. Like a CD, it is ca. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm.) in diameter. [Read the fulll article…]
Dynamic microphone
Microphone type, also called "moving coil." Works much like a loudspeaker in reverse, employing a simple magnet and wire coil to convert sound waves into an electrical signal. [Read the fulll article…]
EBU
The European Broadcasting Union, an alliance of public service media organizations, established on 12 February 1950. [Read the fulll article…]
EBU/SMPTE
The European Broadcasting Union, an alliance of public service media organizations, established on 12 February 1950. [Read the fulll article…]
Echo
A reflection of sound that arrives at the listener with a delay after the direct sound. [Read the fulll article…]
Edit Decision List (edl)
A list that contains an ordered list of reel and timecode data representing where each video clip can be obtained in order to conform the final cut. [Read the fulll article…]
Exposure
The amount of light per unit area reaching the image sensor, as determined by shutter speed, lens aperture and scene luminance. A higher exposure will result in a brighter picture.
[Read the fulll article…]
Extra
Accessory talent not essential to a production, assuming some peripheral on-camera role. [Read the fulll article…]
F-number
Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. [Read the fulll article…]
F-ratio
Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. [Read the fulll article…]
F-stop
Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. [Read the fulll article…]
Fauxtography
Digitally manipulated photograph. Alternatively: using a camera and telling your subject you’re taking a photo, but secretly taking a video! [Read the fulll article…]
Feed Lines
Lines of dialogue which are read outside camera range for the benefit of an 'on camera' or 'on microphone' actor or voice over artist. [Read the fulll article…]
Feedback
Infinite loop of visual patterns from signal output being fed back as input; achieved by aiming live camera at receiving monitor. [Read the fulll article…]
FHD
A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. [Read the fulll article…]
Field
One-half of a complete television picture consisting of one complete vertical scan of the video image containing 262.5 line for NTSC and 312.5 lines for PAL. Two fields make up a complete television picture frame. [Read the fulll article…]
Fill light
The light that provides a soft-edged field of light used to provide additional subject illumination to reduce harsh shadows or areas not highlighted by the key light. [Read the fulll article…]
Film grain
The grain of photographic film is a signal-dependent noise, with similar statistical distribution to shot noise. [Read the fulll article…]
Film grain
The random optical texture of processed photographic film due to the presence of small particles of a metallic silver, or dye clouds, developed from silver halide that have received enough photons. [Read the fulll article…]
Film noir
Usually refers to the classic black and white film noir style used in detective mysteries, typically employing hard lighting and dark, low key lighting. [Read the fulll article…]
Film score
The original-music composition for a motion picture or television production which is generally recorded after the picture has been edited. [Read the fulll article…]
Filter
A transparent material having the ability to absorb certain wavelengths of light and transmit others. [Read the fulll article…]
Flare
Bright flashes and/or extreme contrast reduction evident in picture, caused by excessive light beaming into a camera's lens and reflecting off its internal glass elements [Read the fulll article…]
Float
Periodic vertical movement of the image which occurs as a result of mechanical faults in the camera, printer, or projector. [Read the fulll article…]
Fluid head
Tripod mount type containing viscous fluid which lubricates moving parts, dampens friction. Design facilitates smooth camera moves, alleviates jerkiness. [Read the fulll article…]
Flutter
The rapid variation of amplitude, phase, or frequency that causes the video to move back and forth very rapidly. [Read the fulll article…]
Flying erase heads
Facilitates smooth, seamless edits whenever the camcorder recording begins. Without a flying erase head, a video "glitch" may occur at scene transitions. The erase head is mounted on the spinning (flying) video head drum. [Read the fulll article…]
Focal ratio
Numbers corresponding to the variable size of the camera's iris opening, and thus amount of light passing through the lens. The higher the number, the less light enters. [Read the fulll article…]
Focus
The area on which compositional elements converge. Typically refers to the sharpest elements in the image. [Read the fulll article…]
Focus Pull
Shifting focus between subjects in the background and foreground so a viewer’s attention moves from subject to subject as the focus shifts. [Read the fulll article…]
Frame synchronization
A digital electronic device which synchronizes two or more video signals. The frame synchronizer uses one of its inputs as a reference and genlocks the other video signals to the reference's sync and color burst signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Framing
Act of composing a shot in a camcorder’s viewfinder for desired content, angle and field of view. [Read the fulll article…]
Freeze Frame
An optical printing effect in which a single frame image is repeated in order to appear stationary when it is projected. [Read the fulll article…]
Frequency
The number of times a signal vibrates each second as expressed in cycles per second (cps) or Hertz (Hz). [Read the fulll article…]
Frequency response
A measure of the effectiveness with which a circuit, device, or system processes and transmits signals fed into it, as a function of the signal frequency. [Read the fulll article…]
Full frame
The process of formatting a wide-screen film onto video by selecting the area of the film frame to show in order to accommodate the different aspect ratios of wide-screen film and television. [Read the fulll article…]
Full HD
A set of HDTV high-definition video modes characterized by 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically. [Read the fulll article…]
Full height anamorphic
A process by which a comparatively wide widescreen image is horizontally compressed to fit into a storage medium with a narrower aspect ratio. [Read the fulll article…]
Gaffer
The chief lighting technician for a production who is in charge of the electrical department. [Read the fulll article…]
Gaffer tape
A type of non-damaging, super durable tape used on film sets, most often by the gaffer and grip department. [Read the fulll article…]
Gain
A measurement of the ratio between two quantities. In audio and video, gain refers to a measure of the increase in loudness, level or volume relative to the input signal. [Read the fulll article…]
Gate
The aperture assembly at which the film is exposed in a camera, printer, or projector. [Read the fulll article…]
Gate
An electronic process used to reduce noise levels in audio and video. In the video, the most effective noise reduction is accomplished by digitizing the video signal and carrying out a computerized pixel by pixel analysis of the data. [Read the fulll article…]
Gaussian noise
Image noise is a random variation of brightness or color information in images and is usually an aspect of electronic noise. It can be produced by the sensor and circuitry of a scanner or digital camera. Image noise can also originate in film grain and in the unavoidable shot noise of an ideal photon detector. […] [Read the fulll article…]
Gel
A piece of colored plastic used on lights. Gels allow light to pass through while changing the color tone of the light itself. [Read the fulll article…]
Generation
The number of duplication steps between an original recording and a given copy. A second generation duplicate is a copy of the original master and a third-generation duplicate is a copy of a copy of the original master, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Generation loss
When an analog master videotape is duplicated, the second-generation copy is usually inferior in some way to the master. [Read the fulll article…]
Genlock
A device which enables a composite display (usually a TV) to combine two signals simultaneously by locking one while processing the other. Acronymn for "generator locking device." [Read the fulll article…]
Glitch
A glitch is a short-lived fault in a system, such as a transient fault that corrects itself, making it difficult to troubleshoot. The term is particularly common in the computing and electronics industries, in circuit bending, as well as among players of video games. More generally, all types of systems including human organizations and nature […] [Read the fulll article…]
Grain
The random optical texture of processed photographic film due to the presence of small particles of a metallic silver, or dye clouds, developed from silver halide that have received enough photons. [Read the fulll article…]
Grip
Production crew stagehand responsible for handling equipment, props, and scenery before, during, and after production. [Read the fulll article…]
Group delay
A phenomenon involving timing differences between video signal components. For example, a long cable run may introduce a substantial delay between the transmission of the color and brightness video information resulting in shadows. [Read the fulll article…]
H.264
The name of the most common video compression standard for high-definition digital video for resolutions up to 8K. Also known as MPEG-4 AVC and MPEG-4 Part 10. [Read the fulll article…]
Hair light
Light placed behind the subject to create a glamorous halo effect on the hair or a rugged-looking highlight on the cheek. Helps separate the subject from the background. [Read the fulll article…]
Halogen lamp
Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. [Read the fulll article…]
Harmonic distortion
When any signal is passed through an electronic circuit, the signal may be changed in many ways. In video, the image may become blurred, noisy or contain shadows. In audio, odd harmonics (third, fifth, etc.) produce harsh and unpleasant sounding audio. [Read the fulll article…]
HD Ready
A progressive HDTV signal format with 720 horizontal lines and an aspect ratio (AR) of 16:9, normally known as widescreen HDTV (1.78:1). [Read the fulll article…]
Hi-8
An improved version of the 8mm tape format capable of recording better picture resolution (definition). [Read the fulll article…]
Hi8
An improved version of the 8mm tape format capable of recording better picture resolution (definition). [Read the fulll article…]
High dynamic range (hdr)
The compositing of two images, one that properly exposes the highlights, and another that properly exposes the dark areas. When composited together, you get a properly exposed image. [Read the fulll article…]
Hiss
A random signal having equal intensity at different frequencies, giving it a constant power spectral density. [Read the fulll article…]
Horizontal blanking interval
The time between the end of one scanning line and the beginning of the next. The vertical blanking interval is the time between the end of one video field* and the beginning of the next. [Read the fulll article…]
Horizontal Resolution
Specification denoting the amount of discernable detail across a screen's width. Measured in lines or dots per inch, the higher the number the better the picture quality. [Read the fulll article…]
Horizontal scan rate
Horizontal scan rate, or horizontal frequency, usually expressed in kilohertz, is the frequency at which a CRT moves the electron beam from the left side of the display to the right and back, and therefore describes the number of horizontal lines displayed per second. [Read the fulll article…]
Hot shoe
A mounting point at the top of some cameras that allow you to attach a flash unit, microphones or other accessories. [Read the fulll article…]
HSL/HSV (hsl)
Acronymns for Hue, Saturation, Lightness (HSL) and Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) . HSL and HSV are color space naming conventions that allow for selecting colors more intuitively than by entering RGB or CMYK numbers. [Read the fulll article…]
Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide (hmi)
Device that emits light via pressurized mercury vapor and metal halides. Ideal for imitating daylight, they keep relatively cool and have a very high light output. HMI light has a color temperature of around 5600K. [Read the fulll article…]
Image Sensor
A sensor that detects and conveys information used to make an image. It does so by converting the variable attenuation of light waves (as they pass through or reflect off objects) into signals, small bursts of current that convey the information. [Read the fulll article…]
Impedance
The measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied. The term complex impedance may be used interchangeably. [Read the fulll article…]
Impedance matching
A video signal occupies a wide spectrum of frequencies, from nearly DC (0 Hz) to 6 MHz. If the output impedance of either the video source, cable or input impedance of the receiving equipment are not properly matched, a series of problems may arise. [Read the fulll article…]
In-camera editing
A technique where, instead of editing the shots in a film into the sequence after shooting, the director or cinematographer instead shoots the sequences in strict order. [Read the fulll article…]
Insert
A shot of part of a scene as filmed from a different angle and/or focal length from the master shot. [Read the fulll article…]
Insert Editing
A single shot inserted into a sequence of shots that momentarily interrupts the flow of action, usually introducing a pertinent detail. [Read the fulll article…]
Intercutting
In editing method whereby related shots are inserted into a series of other shots for the purpose of contrast or for some other effect. [Read the fulll article…]
Interlaced
A technique for doubling the perceived frame rate of a video display. From a viewer perspective, Interlaced video enhances motion perception and reduces flicker. [Read the fulll article…]
Intertitle
Titles within the main body of a moving image, such as dialogue, continuity, and informational titles. Intertitles are mainly found in silent films. [Read the fulll article…]
Iris
Video camera's diaphragm lens opening or aperture regulates the amount of light entering the camera. Size measured in f-stops. [Read the fulll article…]
ISO
A camera setting in the digital cameras that changes how sensitive the sensor is to light. [Read the fulll article…]
Jack
Any female socket or receptacle, usually on the backside of video and audio equipment, that accepts plug for a circuit connection. [Read the fulll article…]
Jitter
The displacement of random horizontal lines in video frames. Jitter is the result of a loss of data between devices due to interference, cross-talk and other network disruptions. [Read the fulll article…]
JPEG
JPEG is a digital compression standard for still video images that allows the image to occupy less memory or disk space. Like the MPEG standard, it includes options for trading off between storage space and image quality. [Read the fulll article…]
Kicker
Light placed behind the subject to create a glamorous halo effect on the hair or a rugged-looking highlight on the cheek. Helps separate the subject from the background. [Read the fulll article…]
Lag
Camera pickup's retention of an image after the camera has been moved, most common under low light levels. [Read the fulll article…]
LaserDisc (ld)
A laser optical (reflective) video recording system that uses an analog technique called PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to represent video information on a grooveless, smooth, round plastic disc. [Read the fulll article…]
Latitude
The extent to which a light-sensitive material can be overexposed or underexposed and still achieve an acceptable result. [Read the fulll article…]
Lean-In
When the juxtaposition of shots in a sequence, usually in a scene of dialogue, starts with medium or long shots, for example, and ends with close-ups. [Read the fulll article…]
Lens
The transparent material (usually glass) through which the light beam enters the camera and is refracted onto the body and sensor of the camera. [Read the fulll article…]
Letterboxing
The result of converting a film from widescreen aspect ratio to standard. Letterboxing creates black areas above and below the original clip to make up for missing content. [Read the fulll article…]
Lip sync
The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech. [Read the fulll article…]
Long Portrait
Takes portraiture photography and transfers it to video form, revealing a subject’s subtle expressions, mannerisms, and gestures. [Read the fulll article…]
Masking
A phenomenon whereby one or more sound "trick" the ear into not hearing other, weaker, sound that are also present. [Read the fulll article…]
Master
Originally recorded videotape footage; "edited master" implies an original copy of the tape in its edited form. Duplications constitute generational differences. [Read the fulll article…]
Match cut
A cut made on action or movement between two shots in which the action has been overlapped either by repetition of the action or by the use of more than one camera. [Read the fulll article…]
Matching on action
The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. [Read the fulll article…]
Matrix switcher
A device which uses an array of electronic switches to route a number of audio/video signals to one or more outputs in almost any combination. [Read the fulll article…]
Matte
A process shot in which foreground action is superimposed on a separately photographed background by an optical printer. [Read the fulll article…]
Memory Effect
An effect observed in nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries that causes them to hold less charge. [Read the fulll article…]
Microphone Impedance
In order to obtain the highest quality output signal from a microphone, a preamplifier input should provide a load (impedance) which exactly matches a microphone's output impedance. [Read the fulll article…]
Mid-Side
A stereo microphone technique where two microphones are incorporated into a special configuration for recording. [Read the fulll article…]
MIDI
A protocol that allows synthesizers and computers to communicate with and/or control each other in real time to produce sound. [Read the fulll article…]
MII
Portable, professional video component camera/recorder format, utilizing 1/2" metal particle videotape. [Read the fulll article…]
Mix
The result of combining combining audio signals from different sources, such as microphones, instruments, recordings, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Mix Cue Sheet
A sheet having several columns for notations of footage, fades. volume levels, and equalizations which are used in mixing sound tracks where each column usually represents one track.
[Read the fulll article…]
Modulation
A process that converts mutimedia information to an electrical or optical signal before it is transmitted. The reverse process (demodulation) converts the signal back to the original blend of audio, video, image and text. [Read the fulll article…]
Moiré
A distracting wavy effect produced when converging lines in a video image are nearly parallel to a monitor's scanning lines. [Read the fulll article…]
Monochrome
A device, process or media that uses only variants of a single color tone (hue). Black and white pictures are monochrome images. [Read the fulll article…]
Monopod
A single staff or pole used to help support cameras, binoculars, rifles or other precision instruments in the field. [Read the fulll article…]
Montage
The assembly of shots and the portrayal of action or ideas through the use of many short shots. [Read the fulll article…]
MOS
Abbreviation used in production reports to indicate an associated film segment has no synchronous audio track. [Read the fulll article…]
Multicore
A multi-channel audio cable intended for use with microphone level signals and/or line-level signals [Read the fulll article…]
Multimedia
Content that uses a combination of different content forms such as text, audio, images, animations, video, and interactive content. [Read the fulll article…]
Multiscan monitor
A monitor which synchronizes to different video signal sync frequencies, allowing its use with various computer video outputs. [Read the fulll article…]
Multisync monitor
A monitor which synchronizes to different video signal sync frequencies, allowing its use with various computer video outputs. [Read the fulll article…]
Music sequencer
The hardware or software based brain of a MIDI studio. It receives, stores and plays back MIDI information in a desired sequence. [Read the fulll article…]
Natural Light
Planetary illumination -- from sun, moon, stars -- be it indoors or out. Has higher color temperature than artificial light, and thus more bluish qualities. [Read the fulll article…]
Negative
An image those tonal values which are the opposite (black & white) or complement (color) of those in the original subject. [Read the fulll article…]
NiCad
Lightweight camcorder battery type designed to maintain power longer than traditional lead-acid batteries. [Read the fulll article…]
Nickel Metal Hydride (nimh)
A type of battery used in some lower-end cameras. Although cheaper than Lithium ion batteries, they tend to lose charge when not in use and don’t provide as much overall power. [Read the fulll article…]
Noir
Usually refers to the classic black and white film noir style used in detective mysteries, typically employing hard lighting and dark, low key lighting. [Read the fulll article…]
Noise
In analog video, a random flicker of dots or snow-like patterns resulting from electronic and radiated electromagnetic interferences accidentally picked up by the antenna. [Read the fulll article…]
Noise gate
An electronic process used to reduce noise levels in audio and video. In the video, the most effective noise reduction is accomplished by digitizing the video signal and carrying out a computerized pixel by pixel analysis of the data. [Read the fulll article…]
Non-Drop Frame
A type of SMPTE time code that continuously counts a full 30 frames per second. As a result, non-drop-fame time code does not exactly match real-time. [Read the fulll article…]
Nonanamorphic widescreen
A film process that achieves the wide-screen effect \without optically compressing the image or requiring the use of special projection techniques. [Read the fulll article…]
Noninterlaced video
Process of scanning complete frames in one pass, painting every line on the screen, yielding higher picture quality than that of interlaced video. Most computers produce a noninterlaced video signal; NTSC is interlaced. [Read the fulll article…]
NTSC (ntsc)
The analog television color system that was used in North America from 1954 and until digital conversion, was used in most of the Americas. Set to 525 lines per frame, 29.97 frames per second.
[Read the fulll article…]
NTSC-J
The analog television system and video display standard for the region of Japan that ceased operations in 44 of the country's 47 prefectures on July 24, 2011 [Read the fulll article…]
Obie
A light mounted by the side of the camera, to provide direct light onto a subject's face, with the aim of reducing the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.
[Read the fulll article…]
Offline
The creative editing process which uses copies of the camera tapes on a typically "cuts only" inexpensive editing system. [Read the fulll article…]
One Minute Video
A video exactly one minute in length, containing no camera movements (panning, tilting, etc.) or editing, and making use of original sound. [Read the fulll article…]
Online
The final technical editing process which uses the original camera tapes to repeat all decisions made in the offline editing process. [Read the fulll article…]
Opacity
The ratio of the amount of light falling on a surface to the amount of light which is transmitted. [Read the fulll article…]
Optical Effect
The combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Optical videodisc
A laser optical (reflective) video recording system that uses an analog technique called PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to represent video information on a grooveless, smooth, round plastic disc. [Read the fulll article…]
Over The Shoulder
Shots that are framed with an emphasis on a particular character’s perspective. This shot is used in dialogue scenes to show conversations between two people. [Read the fulll article…]
Overlapping Action
The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. [Read the fulll article…]
Overlay
Any technique used to display a video window on a computer display while bypassing the chain of CPU to graphics card to computer monitor. [Read the fulll article…]
Oxide
The magnetic coating on video and audio tapes that stores picture and sound information. [Read the fulll article…]
PAL-M
PAL-M is the analog TV system used in Brazil since February 19, 1972. At that time, Brazil was the first South American country to broadcast in color. Colour TV broadcast began on February 19, 1972, when the TV networks Globo and Bandeirantes transmitted the Caxias do Sul Grape Festival. The transition from black and white […] [Read the fulll article…]
Pan and scan
The process of formatting a wide-screen film onto video by selecting the area of the film frame to show in order to accommodate the different aspect ratios of wide-screen film and television. [Read the fulll article…]
Pedestal
The voltage level produced at the end of each horizontal picture line which separates the portion of the video signal containing the picture information from the portion containing the synchronizing information. [Read the fulll article…]
Periodic noise
An image affected by periodic noise will look like a repeating pattern has been added on top of the original image. [Read the fulll article…]
Phantom power
A method of remotely powering the preamplifier or impedance converter which is buitlt into many microphones by sending a voltage along the audio cable. [Read the fulll article…]
Phase Distortion
A shifting of output voltage relative to input by an amount which is disproportional to frequency. Phase Distortion is undetectable until it is amplified. [Read the fulll article…]
Phase error
A change in the color subcarrier signal which moves its timing out of phase, i.e., it occurs at a different instant from the original signal. [Read the fulll article…]
Phase noise
A change in the color subcarrier signal which moves its timing out of phase, i.e., it occurs at a different instant from the original signal. [Read the fulll article…]
Phone connector
A sturdy male connector compatible with audio accessories, particularly for insertion of microphone and headphone cables. [Read the fulll article…]
Phone plug
A sturdy male connector compatible with audio accessories, particularly for insertion of microphone and headphone cables. [Read the fulll article…]
Phono plug
A type of connector used on all consumer VCRs and camcorders to carry the standard composite* video and audio signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Pickup
A video camera's image sensing element, either CCD (charge coupled device) or MOS (metal oxide semiconductor); converts light to electrical energy. A microphone's sound reception. [Read the fulll article…]
Pilot tone
A sine wave signal, recorded by various field audio recorders at a known frequency, which is used to resolve the tape speed on playback to retain sync with film camera footage. Obsolete. [Read the fulll article…]
Pilottone
A sine wave signal, recorded by various field audio recorders at a known frequency, which is used to resolve the tape speed on playback to retain sync with film camera footage. Obsolete. [Read the fulll article…]
Plasma Screen
Display screens comprised of hundreds of thousands of tiny gas-filled cells sandwiched between two sheets of glass. [Read the fulll article…]
Polarizing Filter
A piece of glass that fits over the front end of a lens to change the way that your camera sees and treats light, while ultimately cutting down on glare. [Read the fulll article…]
Posterization
Electronic special effect transforming a normal video image into a collage of flattened single-colored areas, without graduations of color and brightness. [Read the fulll article…]
Pre-roll
Ads which appear before a video and Video On Demand actually refers to a video which can be loaded at any time. [Read the fulll article…]
Preamp
An electronic device that boosts extremely weak signal voltages, such as those from microphones or mag heads, to a level that is usable by power amplifiers. [Read the fulll article…]
Preamplifier
An electronic device that boosts extremely weak signal voltages, such as those from microphones or mag heads, to a level that is usable by power amplifiers. [Read the fulll article…]
Prescoring
Recording of music or other sound prior to the shooting of the picture which is to accompany it. The most common usage is in animated film. [Read the fulll article…]
Preview bus
A processor function allowing the operator to select any incoming video source for viewing prior to actual use. Typically, each signal can be previewed on its own monitor. [Read the fulll article…]
Prism Shutter
A device used on many film viewers, editing machines, and some high-speed cameras, consisting of a rotating prism of four or more sides through which the viewer light passes as film is pulled continuously through it. [Read the fulll article…]
ProcAmp
A device used to alter, change or clean video or audio signal components or parameters in realtime. [Read the fulll article…]
Process Shot
A shot that will be composited from two other shots. The background part of this process is called a 'plate'. [Read the fulll article…]
Progressive scan
A way to store and transmit images that draws all the lines in each frame in sequence. Compare to other techniques such as interlacing. [Read the fulll article…]
Pseudo-solarization
A phenomenon in photography in which the image recorded on a negative or on a photographic print is wholly or partially reversed in tone. [Read the fulll article…]
Quartz-halogen
Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. [Read the fulll article…]
Rack focus
Shifting focus between subjects in the background and foreground so a viewer’s attention moves from subject to subject as the focus shifts. [Read the fulll article…]
Racking focus
Shifting focus between subjects in the background and foreground so a viewer’s attention moves from subject to subject as the focus shifts. [Read the fulll article…]
Raster
The pattern of parallel horizontal scanning lines, traced by a video monitor's electron beam, making up a video image. [Read the fulll article…]
RCA connector
A type of connector used on all consumer VCRs and camcorders to carry the standard composite* video and audio signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Re-recording
The process of mixing all edited music, effects and dialog tracks of a film or video production to mono, stereo, multichannel or whatever audio format is desired for the final print master. [Read the fulll article…]
Real time
Occurring immediately, without delay for rendering. If a transition occurs in real time, there is no waiting; the computer creates the effect or transition on the fly, showing it immediately. Real-time previewing is different from real-time rendering. [Read the fulll article…]
Resolution
The total number of bits that a digitized image contains, or that a digital display can show. Typically expressed as the number of pixels referencing the width and height of the image or display: 800px x 600px.
[Read the fulll article…]
RF converter
A device that converts audio and video signals into a combined RF signal suitable for reception by a standard TV. [Read the fulll article…]
RF Modulation
The process of combining a video signal with an RF source so the result can be transmitted to a television or VCR. [Read the fulll article…]
Room modes
The collection of resonances that exist in a room when the room is excited by an acoustic source such as a loudspeaker [Read the fulll article…]
Rough cut
A preliminary trial stage in the process of editing a film. Shots are laid out in approximate relationship to an end product without detailed attention to the individual cutting points [Read the fulll article…]
Sabattier effect
A phenomenon in photography in which the image recorded on a negative or on a photographic print is wholly or partially reversed in tone. [Read the fulll article…]
Safe area
Boundaries within which contents of a television picture are sure to be seen, regardless of masking differences in receiver displays. [Read the fulll article…]
Scan line
Result of television's swift scanning process which sweeps out a series of horizontal lines from left to right, then down a bit and left to right again. [Read the fulll article…]
Scenarist
A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. [Read the fulll article…]
Scoop
The light that provides a soft-edged field of light used to provide additional subject illumination to reduce harsh shadows or areas not highlighted by the key light. [Read the fulll article…]
Score
The original-music composition for a motion picture or television production which is generally recorded after the picture has been edited. [Read the fulll article…]
Screenplay writer
A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. [Read the fulll article…]
Screenwriter
A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. [Read the fulll article…]
Scrim
A metal 'window screen' that can be placed in front of a lighting unit to decrease the lighting intensity by a predetermined amount. [Read the fulll article…]
Scriptwriter
A writer who practices the craft of screenwriting, writing screenplays on which mass media, such as films, television programs, and video games, are based. [Read the fulll article…]
Scrub
Moving a piece of tape or magnetic film back and forth over a sound head to locate a specific cue or word. [Read the fulll article…]
Second Unit
A photographic team that shoots scenes which do not involve the principal cast, such as stunts, car chases, or establishing shots. [Read the fulll article…]
Sequencer
The hardware or software based brain of a MIDI studio. It receives, stores and plays back MIDI information in a desired sequence. [Read the fulll article…]
Shot
All pictorial material recorded by a camera. More strictly speaking, shots are intentional, isolated camera views which collectively comprise a scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Shot noise
The dominant noise in the darker parts of an image from an image sensor is typically that caused by statistical quantum fluctuations, that is, variation in the number of photons sensed at a given exposure level. [Read the fulll article…]
Shotgun Mic
A highly directional microphone, usually with a long, tubular body; used by the production sound mixer on location or on the set for film and television productions. [Read the fulll article…]
Signal
The form of variation with time of a wave whereby information is conveyed in some form whether it is acoustic or electronic. [Read the fulll article…]
Skip Frame
An optical printing effect which eliminates selected frames of the original scene to speed up the action. [Read the fulll article…]
Slate
A device to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. [Read the fulll article…]
Slave
An audiotape or videotape transport, projector or mag film dubber whose movements follow the movement of a single master transport. [Read the fulll article…]
SMPTE/EBU
The European Broadcasting Union, an alliance of public service media organizations, established on 12 February 1950. [Read the fulll article…]
Snake
A multi-channel audio cable intended for use with microphone level signals and/or line-level signals [Read the fulll article…]
Snoot
Open-ended cylindrical funnel mounted on a light source to project a narrow, concentrated circle of illumination. [Read the fulll article…]
SnorriCam
A camera rig attached to the body of an actor to create the effect of a background moving around a stationary subject. [Read the fulll article…]
Snow
In analog video, a random flicker of dots or snow-like patterns resulting from electronic and radiated electromagnetic interferences accidentally picked up by the antenna. [Read the fulll article…]
Softbox
Lighting accessory available in various sizes usually made of textured gold or silver fabric. Facilitates soft, shadowless illumination by reflecting light onto a scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Solarization
Special effect in which the lightest and darkest values of a picture are made dark while the middle tones become light. [Read the fulll article…]
Sound Designer
A film sound specialist responsible for the development and augmentation of all soundtrack material, or a significant portion thereof, and is ultimately in charge of the entire sound production. [Read the fulll article…]
Sound marker
A device to assist in synchronizing of picture and sound, and to designate and mark the various scenes and takes as they are filmed and audio-recorded. [Read the fulll article…]
Sound masking
A phenomenon whereby one or more sound "trick" the ear into not hearing other, weaker, sound that are also present. [Read the fulll article…]
Sound Mixer
The person responsible for capturing sound as it plays out live, determining microphone types and placement. [Read the fulll article…]
Sound track
Generically refers to the music contained in a film, though it literally means the entire audio portion of a film, video or television production, including effects and dialog. [Read the fulll article…]
Soundtrack
Generically refers to the music contained in a film, though it literally means the entire audio portion of a film, video or television production, including effects and dialog. [Read the fulll article…]
Special effect (fx)
Illusions or visual tricks used in the film, television, theatre, video game and simulator industries to simulate the imagined events in a story or virtual world. [Read the fulll article…]
Spill
Light that is escaping from the sides of a lighting unit, or any light that is falling where it is not wanted. [Read the fulll article…]
Spill fill
Light that is escaping from the sides of a lighting unit, or any light that is falling where it is not wanted. [Read the fulll article…]
Splice
The technique of compositing used to combine visual elements such as actors onto a virtual background. In traditional film-making, refers to the act of joining two pieces of film by any of several methods. [Read the fulll article…]
Spotting
Used in scoring and sound effects editing to identify the specific scenes or points where music cues or effects cues will take place. Usually, this will include information on length and style. [Read the fulll article…]
Stabilizer
A device designed to hold a camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted camera movement, such as "camera shake". [Read the fulll article…]
Standard HD
A progressive HDTV signal format with 720 horizontal lines and an aspect ratio (AR) of 16:9, normally known as widescreen HDTV (1.78:1). [Read the fulll article…]
Standing waves
A deep sound in a small room or recording booth. It refers to low audio frequencies caused by long waves with short reflection patterns. [Read the fulll article…]
Start-up/closedown test
A chart with special patterns, placed in front of a television camera to generate a known reference signal that can be used to adjust the camera and all the equipment downstream from the camera. [Read the fulll article…]
Steadicam
A flying camera stabilizer (often comprised of an arm, vest, and sled) that enables cinematographers to get smooth moving shots. [Read the fulll article…]
Stereo
Sound emanating from two isolated sources, intended to simulate pattern of natural human hearing. [Read the fulll article…]
Stinger
The nickname for an extension cord made to the film industry standard. Most often referred to a single 'hot' extension that is left lying around for occasional use. [Read the fulll article…]
Stock
In traditional film-making, a general term for the motion picture film itself, before it is exposed. [Read the fulll article…]
Stop motion
An animated-film making technique in which objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames so that they will appear to exhibit independent motion when the series of frames is played back as a fast sequence. [Read the fulll article…]
Storyboard
A drawing that shows each scene of your video. A storyboard provides a concise plan for what you need to shoot or animate. [Read the fulll article…]
Streaming media
Digital video content that can be transmitted and viewed simultaneously. Typically used for broadcasting "live" events in real-time. [Read the fulll article…]
Superimposition
The placement of an image or video on top of an already-existing image or video, usually to add to the overall image effect. [Read the fulll article…]
Sweetening
Enhancing the sound of a recording or a particular sound effect with equalization or some other signal processing device. [Read the fulll article…]
Swishblog
A unique way of vid-blogging (invented by Vimean Justin Johnson) that makes use of quick pans or tilts at the beginning and end of every shot to transition between clips and give your video a fun, dream-like feel. [Read the fulll article…]
Switcher
A device used to select between several different video sources and, in some cases, compositing video sources together to create special effects. [Read the fulll article…]
Sync light
A camera attachment which records the film shot and take numbers and a visible sync mark which corresponds to a tone fed to an audio recorder. [Read the fulll article…]
Sync Restoration
A process which replaces distorted and missing sync* information by checking incoming sync, analyzing the frequencies involved and generating new fully restored sync. [Read the fulll article…]
Sync Stripping
A process which separates sync from the rest of the video signal for timing correction, clamping and other purposes. [Read the fulll article…]
Syncro-edit
Wired control protocol which activates/deactivates a VCR's record pause function. Many non-compatible versions of this protocol exist. [Read the fulll article…]
Tearing
An horizontal line which appears during playback, caused by the graphics processor being out of sync with the display. [Read the fulll article…]
Telephoto
A lens that uses a telephoto group to enable a longer focal length than the physical body of the lens would normally permit. [Read the fulll article…]
Temp Dub
A preliminary mixing of dialogue, music, and sound effects, usually so that a first cut may be viewed with all of these elements incorporated. [Read the fulll article…]
Test card
A chart with special patterns, placed in front of a television camera to generate a known reference signal that can be used to adjust the camera and all the equipment downstream from the camera. [Read the fulll article…]
Test pattern
A chart with special patterns, placed in front of a television camera to generate a known reference signal that can be used to adjust the camera and all the equipment downstream from the camera. [Read the fulll article…]
THX
A theatrical film exhibition sound system which maintains a consistent sound standard from theatre to theatre. [Read the fulll article…]
Ticker
Text or graphics, usually special announcements that move across the screen horizontally, typically from right to left across the bottom of the screen. [Read the fulll article…]
Time base correction
When an electronic signal travels through electronic circuitry or even through long coaxial cable runs, delay problems may occur. This is manifested as a displaced image and special electronic circuitry is needed to correct it. [Read the fulll article…]
Time Base Corrector (tbc)
A device used to rectify any problems with a video signal's sync pulses by generating a new clean time base and synchronizing any other incoming video to this reference. [Read the fulll article…]
Titling
Process or result of incorporating on-screen text as credits, captions, or any other alphanumeric communication to video viewers. [Read the fulll article…]
Tracking shot
A camera shot that physically advances or changes the position of the camera relative to the subject, changing the spatial relations between a subject and its surroundings. [Read the fulll article…]
Trims
Portions of a scene left over after the selected section has been used in final cutting. [Read the fulll article…]
Tripod
Three-legged camera mount offering stability and camera placement/movement consistency. Most are lightweight, used for remote recording. [Read the fulll article…]
Tripod head
The part of a tripod system that attaches the supported device (such as a camera) to the tripod legs, and allows the orientation of the device to be manipulated or locked down. [Read the fulll article…]
Tuner
Television and VCR component that receives RF signals from an antenna or other RF sources and decodes into separate audio and video signals. [Read the fulll article…]
Tungsten light
A light bulb that emits light using a filament of tungsten wire, and are larger versions of the everyday lighting found in your home. [Read the fulll article…]
TV Safe
The area of a filmed image which will normally appear on a home television set after a film has been transferred in telecine and then transmitted. [Read the fulll article…]
U-matic
Most popular professional/industrial video format employing larger cassettes and three-quarter-inch tape. [Read the fulll article…]
UHD
Ultra-high-definition television (also known as Ultra HD television, Ultra HD, UHDTV, UHD and Super Hi-Vision) today includes 4K UHD and 8K UHD, which are two digital video formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. [Read the fulll article…]
UHDTV
Ultra-high-definition television (also known as Ultra HD television, Ultra HD, UHDTV, UHD and Super Hi-Vision) today includes 4K UHD and 8K UHD, which are two digital video formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. [Read the fulll article…]
Ultra HD television
Ultra-high-definition television (also known as Ultra HD television, Ultra HD, UHDTV, UHD and Super Hi-Vision) today includes 4K UHD and 8K UHD, which are two digital video formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. [Read the fulll article…]
Ultra-high-definition television
Ultra-high-definition television (also known as Ultra HD television, Ultra HD, UHDTV, UHD and Super Hi-Vision) today includes 4K UHD and 8K UHD, which are two digital video formats with an aspect ratio of 16:9. [Read the fulll article…]
Umbrella
Lighting accessory available in various sizes usually made of textured gold or silver fabric. Facilitates soft, shadowless illumination by reflecting light onto a scene. [Read the fulll article…]
Underscan
A video or computer image reduced so that all four edges are visible on-screen, leaving it surrounded by black borders. [Read the fulll article…]
Uniform noise
The noise caused by quantizing the pixels of a sensed image to a number of discrete levels is known as quantization noise. [Read the fulll article…]
Unsqueeze
A print or image in which the distorted image of an anamorphic negative has been corrected for normal projection or display.
[Read the fulll article…]
Upconversion
A system which converts video signals from one display resolution to another; typically, scalers are used to convert a signal from a lower resolution, a process known as "upconversion" or "upscaling." [Read the fulll article…]
Upscaling
A system which converts video signals from one display resolution to another; typically, scalers are used to convert a signal from a lower resolution, a process known as "upconversion" or "upscaling." [Read the fulll article…]
User Bits
Portions of VITC and LTC (time code) reserved for recording information of the user's choosing, e.g., date, scene numbers. [Read the fulll article…]
Vectorscope
Electronic testing device that measures a video signal's chrominance performance, plotting qualities in a compass-like graphic display. [Read the fulll article…]
Vertical Sync ( vsync)
Synchronizing pulses used to define the end of one television field and the start of the next, occurring at a rate of approximately 59.94 Hz. [Read the fulll article…]
VHS Compact (vhs-c)
A compact VHS videocassette format, introduced by Victor Company of Japan (JVC) in 1982, and used primarily for consumer-grade compact analog recording camcorders. [Read the fulll article…]
Video
An electronic medium for the recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and display of moving visual media. [Read the fulll article…]
Video Amplifier
Video amplifiers are devices that amplify the power of the video signals, using bandwidths that differ depending on the target. [Read the fulll article…]
Video assist
The process of simultaneously recording filmed picture onto videotape by means of the same lens system in order to immediately evaluate a take as soon as it is completed. [Read the fulll article…]
Video Toaster
Software/hardware developed by NewTek for the Amiga Computer. Made special effects affordable for the low budget producer. [Read the fulll article…]
Video wall
A special multi-monitor setup that consists of multiple monitors tiled together contiguously or overlapped in order to form one large screen. [Read the fulll article…]
Videodisc
A flat disc of plastic or other material on which video signals are recorded. Videodiscs range in diameter from 3 in. to 12 in. and include the ca. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm.) DVD and video CD. [Read the fulll article…]
Videotape format
A variety of formats are used to record video. They vary by tape width: (8mm, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch), signal form: (composite, Y/C, component), data storage type (analog or digital) and signal standard (PAL, NTSC, SECAM). [Read the fulll article…]
Vignette
Visual special effect whereby viewers see images through a perceived keyhole, heart shape, diamond, etc. [Read the fulll article…]
Vignetting
Undesirable darkening at the corners of a picture, as if viewer's peering through a telescope, due to improper matching of the lens to the camera. [Read the fulll article…]
Vision mixer
A device used to select between several different video sources and, in some cases, compositing video sources together to create special effects. [Read the fulll article…]
Voice-over
A production technique where a voice that is not part of the narrative is used in a radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, or other presentations. [Read the fulll article…]
Walla
Background ambience or noises added to create the illusion of sound taking place outside of the main action in a picture. [Read the fulll article…]
Waste
Shining a light on an object, then slowing turning the light away so that some of the light will miss or fall off the object. [Read the fulll article…]
White noise
A random signal having equal intensity at different frequencies, giving it a constant power spectral density. [Read the fulll article…]
Wide angle lens
A lens that uses a grouping of glass to enable a shorter focal length than the physical body of the lens would normally permit. [Read the fulll article…]
Widescreen
A general term for film presentation in which a film is shown in an aspect ratio of greater than 1.85 to 1 (16:9 on computer monitors.) [Read the fulll article…]
Window Dub
A videotape in which a "window" displaying the time code count on the tape is superimposed over part of the picture. [Read the fulll article…]
Wipe
An optical transition effect in which one image is replaced by another with a boundry edge that moves in a selected pattern across the frame. [Read the fulll article…]
Working master
Any positive duplicate picture, sound track print, or magnetic duplicate which is intended for use in the editing process. [Read the fulll article…]
Workprint
Any positive duplicate picture, sound track print, or magnetic duplicate which is intended for use in the editing process. [Read the fulll article…]
Workprint
Copy of a master videotape used for edit planning and rough cut without excessively wearing or otherwise jeopardizing safekeeping of original material. [Read the fulll article…]
Wow and flutter
The deviation of frequency resulting from irregular motion in the recording or from deformation of the recording medium. [Read the fulll article…]
X-Y Pattern
A pair of cardioid microphones or elements aimed in crossed directions which feed two channels for stereo pickup. [Read the fulll article…]
XLR connector (xlr)
One of several varieties of sound connectors having three or more conductors plus an outer shell which shields the connectors and locks the connectors into place. [Read the fulll article…]
Zoom Happy
One who indulges in the gratification of zooming in and out to the torment of viewers. Common in home movies. [Read the fulll article…]
Zoom lens
A mechanical assembly of lens elements for which the focal length (and thus angle of view) can be varied, as opposed to a fixed focal length (FFL) lens. [Read the fulll article…]
LUMIX G7 is built on the next generation mirrorless interchangeable lens camera standard (Micro Four Thirds) pioneered by Panasonic. Its design enables a lighter, more compact camera body.
See the whole picture with this Rylo 360 video camera. This compact device extends your perspective by capturing 360 degrees of 5.8K video, perfect for panorama shots and immersive video.
